AN ACTION group has formed to stop executive homes being built on Darlington parkland steeped in historical, natural and cultural significance.

The former Blackwell Grange golf course, along Blackwell Lane, has been earmarked for development by Darlington Borough Council in its Making and Growing Places document detailing how future housing demand might be met.

Up to 52 executive homes could be built on the land which was first cultivated in 1710 when the impressive Blackwell Grange was built - now operating as a hotel leased by the council.

The parkland was remodelled in 1802 and maps still exist from both periods, meaning that the pre- English parkland scene can be identified amongst the later naturalistic styles

Surveyors recently daubed white marks on the Grade II Listed boundary wall as access to the potential homes is being explored and this prompted reaction among nearby residents who believe that the historic area should be preserved for future generations.

Clive Rickaby, of Coniscliffe Road, is spearheading the objectors’ campaign and an online survey he launched a fortnight ago has already attracted 200 signatures opposing development.

He said: “I feel very strongly in the protection and conservation of the wall, woods and the historic Grange parkland, not just for now but for the heritage of generations to come.

“It would be such a loss to a magnificent gateway into town and with so many other sites available to the council with no historical significance, I think this should be designated Parkland so we could get funding to restore its historically significant features and not lose them forever.”

Mr Rickaby points to an archaeology report commissioned by Darlington Council which details more than 50 features of the land that make it historically important.

These include a fishpond dating back to the 1700s, a Grade II Listed wall and a lime avenue thought to date from 1790 which was referred to in 19th century accounts as ‘ancient’.

In addition, pleasure walks created more than 300-years-ago still wind around the land and an air raid shelter built in 1939 is still intact, built into the side of a ditch.

Darlington resident Hilary Rowley is also passionate about saving the land and says the archaeological report makes it “very clear” there are large swathes of it that should be protected.

She said: “The authors of the report thought that there was so much worth listing.

“There is evidence of all sorts of historic features that would be destroyed.

“Everyone is worried that a little bit of building now will turn into a lot of building later and it won’t stop; it will just end up being another housing estate.”

Ian Williams, Darlington Council’s director of economic growth, said: “Blackwell Grange is a site that is earmarked as an opportunity for a good quality sustainable Housing development.

“It is important that we carefully work through all of the analysis including resident views received and other planning considerations.

“When this work is complete we will consult widely and effectively on that data, so that the most appropriate consideration is given and that a clear basis and proposition for any development is brought forward’.

A consultation event, which was due to take place at Blackwell Grange Hotel on March 18, has been postponed until after the general election after Park West ward councillor, Heather Scott, raised concerns over the amount of notice given to residents.